By Nkechi Eze
In a major counter-terrorism breakthrough, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted a high-impact air interdiction operation that eliminated several high-value Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders and fighters in the Lake Chad axis of Borno State. The precision strike, executed under Operation HADIN KAI on Saturday, July 27, 2025, targeted ARINA WOJE, a well-known ISWAP stronghold in the Southern Tumbuns, delivering a devastating blow to the terrorist group’s leadership and logistics network.
According to an official statement released by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operation was the result of a series of coordinated Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) sorties which confirmed the reoccupation of the area by terrorist forces following recent internal clashes between insurgent factions. ISR analysis revealed renewed movement of foot soldiers, the reactivation of key infrastructure, and the establishment of hidden command centres and logistics facilities beneath the dense foliage in the ARINA WOJE axis.
In response to this credible intelligence, NAF deployed its air assets to undertake a focused precision strike mission. Upon arrival in the target area, aircrew identified and engaged pre-designated ISWAP positions using precision-guided munitions. The strike achieved what was described as “devastating effects,” successfully neutralising multiple insurgents and destroying structures believed to house top ISWAP commanders and ammunition depots.
Preliminary Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) indicates that the operation significantly degraded the insurgents’ operational capabilities, disrupted their logistics resupply channels, and thwarted potential planning for future attacks in the region. “This precision strike underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s sustained commitment to dislodging terrorist elements, denying them freedom of movement, and supporting ground forces to restore peace and stability,” Air Commodore Ejodame noted.
He added that the operation further demonstrates the increasing value of intelligence-led air power in contemporary asymmetric warfare and counter-terrorism efforts. The Nigerian Air Force, under the leadership of Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has continued to prioritize precision, professionalism, and inter-agency synergy in its operations
